Black theatre dates all the way back to 1769. However, during this time, Black theatre was performed by and for white audiences in minstrel shows where white artists performed in the highly offensive, "Black Face." These shows were extremely offensive as they portrayed Blacks as idiotic and without poise. Part of the reason that there were not many Black performers included the offensive representation of the African American character as empty and offensive. In 1776, Black performers who traveled with Troupes were freed and avenged their masters. This event was chronicled in a play by John Leacock which gave Black performers a positive role model and character to portray. However, it was not until 1821 that the first Black Theatre Troupe was created by a West Indian Actor. However, during their performances, many white audience members would shout rude and snide remarks during the performances. In an attempt to mitigate a lot of the hate, the theatres would create shows that attempted to appeal to a white audience. However, the color of the performer's skin was too much for the white audiences to handle. The hatred between white audiences and Black performers grew so strong the whites ended up burning down the theatre. However, Black performers were not dismayed and the effort for inclusion continued as the secretary of the NAACP created the National Theatre which created special sections in theatres for Black performers and audience members.
In 1840, Minstrelry was formed as an act that imitated Black people. The White performers in Minstrel shows used song, dance, and humor to make fun of the humble Black character. Despite the introduction of Minstrelry, Black performers continued to fight and perform. Many Black producers and dramatists decided to create big showtime musicals and sought to destroy the negative images of the Black community during the time period and it was not until 1902 that Blacks made history by appearing on the Broadway stage. Then during the 1920's, the movement known as the Harlem Renaissance began and introduced the idea of the "New Negro." The Harlem Renaissance attracted young Black artists and intellectuals from all over the world to come to Harlem and share their work during a cultural awakening. During this period, the theatre began to explore the ideas of racism and segregation to raise awareness of the issues that had been facing the Black community for ages.
During the 1930s, many of the theatres in Harlem had to close down due to the Great Depression; however, many Black performers continued to form organizations in order to maintain Black creativity and performance value. The radical protests during the Depression also helped to inspire white playwrights to write plays that included the relationship between Blacks and the American Dream, families, and union. One of the most prolific and influential Black writers of his time was Langston Hughes. Hughes was one of the first Black artists to rise to critical acclaim is well regarded as one of the top creatives in his field. He is still honored and loved by many in the art community and the Black community today. During the 30's, due to President Roosevelt's New Deal programs, many theatre employees were hired to work in theatres for public relief receiving high salaries. This opportunity gave Black's the chance to finally freely and openly express themselves in the theatre.
Moving into the 1950's and 1960's Broadway and stage productions decreased and television increased. During this move in popularity, many Blacks moved out of Harlem and closer to commercial centers. However, during this move, many of the jobs were scarce. However, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's were a time that helped to further the rebellion of identity created by the White community. It was during this period that a distinct "Black Aesthetic" was formed. In conclusion, the contributions of Black theatre has always been and will continue to be an underrated art form as far as its contribution to society. It has for hundreds of years and will continue, to transform the Black identity.
Black theatre dates all the way back to 1769. However, during this time, Black theatre was performed by and for white audiences in minstrel shows where white artists performed in the highly offensive, "Black Face." These shows were extremely offensive as they portrayed Blacks as idiotic and without poise. Part of the reason that there were not many Black performers included the offensive representation of the African American character as empty and offensive. In 1776, Black performers who traveled with Troupes were freed and avenged their masters. This event was chronicled in a play by John Leacock which gave Black performers a positive role model and character to portray. However, it was not until 1821 that the first Black Theatre Troupe was created by a West Indian Actor. However, during their performances, many white audience members would shout rude and snide remarks during the performances. In an attempt to mitigate a lot of the hate, the theatres would create shows that attempted to appeal to a white audience. However, the color of the performer's skin was too much for the white audiences to handle. The hatred between white audiences and Black performers grew so strong the whites ended up burning down the theatre. However, Black performers were not dismayed and the effort for inclusion continued as the secretary of the NAACP created the National Theatre which created special sections in theatres for Black performers and audience members.
In 1840, Minstrelry was formed as an act that imitated Black people. The White performers in Minstrel shows used song, dance, and humor to make fun of the humble Black character. Despite the introduction of Minstrelry, Black performers continued to fight and perform. Many Black producers and dramatists decided to create big showtime musicals and sought to destroy the negative images of the Black community during the time period and it was not until 1902 that Blacks made history by appearing on the Broadway stage. Then during the 1920's, the movement known as the Harlem Renaissance began and introduced the idea of the "New Negro." The Harlem Renaissance attracted young Black artists and intellectuals from all over the world to come to Harlem and share their work during a cultural awakening. During this period, the theatre began to explore the ideas of racism and segregation to raise awareness of the issues that had been facing the Black community for ages.
During the 1930s, many of the theatres in Harlem had to close down due to the Great Depression; however, many Black performers continued to form organizations in order to maintain Black creativity and performance value. The radical protests during the Depression also helped to inspire white playwrights to write plays that included the relationship between Blacks and the American Dream, families, and union. One of the most prolific and influential Black writers of his time was Langston Hughes. Hughes was one of the first Black artists to rise to critical acclaim is well regarded as one of the top creatives in his field. He is still honored and loved by many in the art community and the Black community today. During the 30's, due to President Roosevelt's New Deal programs, many theatre employees were hired to work in theatres for public relief receiving high salaries. This opportunity gave Black's the chance to finally freely and openly express themselves in the theatre.
Moving into the 1950's and 1960's Broadway and stage productions decreased and television increased. During this move in popularity, many Blacks moved out of Harlem and closer to commercial centers. However, during this move, many of the jobs were scarce. However, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's were a time that helped to further the rebellion of identity created by the White community. It was during this period that a distinct "Black Aesthetic" was formed. In conclusion, the contributions of Black theatre has always been and will continue to be an underrated art form as far as its contribution to society. It has for hundreds of years and will continue, to transform the Black identity.